A Monitor And A Mentor

Our Towns: Southington

July 15, 1997

Posting a police officer inside Southington High School will help deter what has been an increasing number of non- students on school grounds and help ensure safety. A well-chosen officer could also be a strong, positive link between the police and high schoolers.

The board of education approved a plan that would bring a town police officer into the school during school hours. The board's action was prompted by a stabbing in the school parking lot in June, which in turn sparked a review of security. The idea has support from the police department and could qualify for a federal grant. The town council should approve the proposal.

Planned security improvements also include having an officer in a patrol car during dismissal and adding an evening security guard. Southington is one of the state's largest high schools, with 2,000 students. The size makes managing the activities of students and the flow of visitors more difficult, particularly around closing. Fortunately, the number of problems has been relatively small, but administrators appropriately decided the stabbing required strong preventative measures.

In addition to being a authoritative presence in the school, the officer could be -- as is planned -- integrated into the program. Police officers in other schools lead classes and get involved in other activities to give students a good experience with the police. The board favored an armed officer, but left the decision up to Chief William B. Perry. An unarmed officer is the better choice.

During the summer, the high school officer could move to a youth beat that would dovetail with the school assignment and take advantage of the goodwill and contacts established during the academic year. The plan is a sign of prudent caution that should let students focus on school work.